Arts

The world needs art, and it’s happening here

Details

Tuesday, 17 February 2026

Written by Sara Busman, Arts Council of Fayetteville

Every year, the Council for Art Education celebrates Youth Art Month in March. The Council chooses a theme for students to consider while making their artworks, and the theme for this year is “The World Needs Art.” The CAE is a national organization, but this theme hits close to home through the Arts Council’s partnership with Cumberland County Schools on the High School Juried Art Show. The yearly show brings together digital art, sculpture, drawing, multimedia, and painting by students from CCS. To help support students, the works are juried by a panel of judges, and winning artists receive cash awards. As CCS Director of Arts Education Daniel McCloud notes, “This show provides students with a rare, firsthand look at the professional standards of the industry, proving that their creative ambitions are achievable career paths.”
Cumberland County Schools is finishing a year-long process to develop a new strategic plan that their website says will “provide a safe, positive and rigorous learning environment to prepare lifelong learners to reach their maximum potential.” No doubt art will be an important part of it.
“The arts at CCS serve as a vital laboratory for critical thinking and cultural literacy, directly supporting our mission to develop well-rounded, empathetic citizens,” McCloud said.
In a recent study from the National Endowment for the Arts, arts participation among high schoolers provided positive social-emotional responses, and arts course completion was linked with greater academic achievement, including improved graduation rates.
And sure, art helps art-makers and students, but going to view a gallery also helps the viewers. I certainly experience joy walking into an art gallery, but a new study shows a measurable physical response. A 2025 study from the Art Fund and the Psychiatry Research Trust placed groups into art galleries and measured their hormonal responses while they viewed art. The study found that participants saw a 22% drop in cortisol, more dynamic heart activity, and a 30% drop in inflammatory hormones when participants were looking at art in a gallery space. So, in short, going to a gallery made them feel less stressed and less tired.
It turns out that the Council for Art Education is right; the world does need art; the stressed-out world, the tired world, the world that needs to notice, support, and admire student work. The world needs art. Thank goodness the students in our community can help bring it to us.
The High School Juried Art Show runs March 6 through March 29 at the Arts Center Gallery. For more information, visit www.wearethearts.com/exhibits.

Community brings theater, celebration, new collaboration

Details

Tuesday, 17 February 2026

Written by Tara Kamiya

Community and celebration are coming together in a way Fayetteville has not experienced in nearly two decades. On Sunday, Feb. 22, residents will gather for a lively Sunday Funday event at The Sand Trap Lounge before heading to the Crown Theatre for the nationally touring production of Menopause 2 The Musical: Cruising Through The Change.
This collaboration marks the first time in nearly 20 years that Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper has partnered with an out-of-town promoter—signaling a new chapter for community-driven entertainment in Cumberland County.
The partnership brings together The Sand Trap Lounge, the Crown Theatre/Oak View Group, event promoter Roberts Group Live, and Up & Coming Weekly in a coordinated effort to expand Broadway quality entertainment offerings in the region. This event reflects the type of creative cooperation that is essential in the Fayetteville area, where marketing and promotion are challenging.
Unlike other North Carolina metropolitan areas, Fayetteville does not have a local television station. Without a TV station, the community lacks a true media nucleus dedicated to covering local news, events, arts, and entertainment. This creates significant challenges for local businesses and out-of-town promoters trying to market and brand themselves effectively—making community partnerships even more essential when bringing major productions to local audiences.
Crown Coliseum General Manager Seth Benalt is an integral part of this partnership. He has spent years building relationships with show promoters and strengthening grassroots outreach to connect Cumberland County residents with performances that resonate with the community. He oversees the management of the 10,000-seat Coliseum, Arena, Theatre, and Expo Center, focusing on venue operations, event experiences, and strategic partnerships.
The Roberts Group Live is promoting the Menopause 2 production and has created a unique collaboration with Up & Coming Weekly, which founder Bill Bowman describes as a “hyper local publication” focused on local news, views, entertainment, arts and culture, and profiling the people and businesses that shape the region. This partnership represents a milestone for Up & Coming Weekly, which has served Fayetteville, Fort Bragg, and Cumberland County as a free community newspaper for 30 years. The publication is distributed every Wednesday at more than 350 locations across the county and Fort Bragg.
The pre-show Sunday Funday gathering will take place from noon to 2:15 p.m. at The Sand Trap Pub, 1514 Purdue Drive. The Sand Trap is a well-established neighborhood bar that has been part of Fayetteville’s social scene for more than three decades.
Guests can expect gourmet food catered by Two Brothers Catering, a wine tasting, music, and dancing in a relaxed atmosphere that encourages social interaction and community engagement. Gifts and door prizes from community-minded businesses—including Renaissance Day Spa, Rocket Fizz, and Hinkamp Jewelers—will also be part of the celebration.
Hinkamp Jewelers has served Fayetteville and the surrounding areas for decades and remains a family-owned business with deep community ties. Owner Wally Hinkamp, who took over in 2000, continues the family tradition of supporting local events and organizations.
Natalie Spencer, owner and creator of Renaissance Day Spa and Alternative Wellness, also brings a strong community presence to the event. The award-winning Purdue Drive location is the original home of the spa, designed to balance tranquility with social connection. Natalie recently opened a new location on Skateway Drive featuring an enclosed outdoor patio, landscaped gardens, ponds, fountains, and an outdoor lounge designed as a retreat for relaxation and luxury.
Following the festivities at The Sand Trap, guests will travel to the Crown Theatre for the 3 p.m. performance of Menopause The Musical 2. The sequel to the long-running hit continues the story of four women who first met while shopping and now set sail on a cruise. The production blends humor and familiar songs to explore friendship, aging, and shared life experiences.
The show has developed a strong following among women and multigenerational audiences. Mothers, daughters, and friends often attend together, creating an entertainment experience that doubles as a shared social outing. Its combination of comedy, music, and relatable storytelling has helped build a national fan base.
Bringing a nationally touring production to Fayetteville provides both cultural and economic benefits. Events at the Crown Complex attract visitors, support local restaurants and businesses, and strengthen the region’s reputation as a destination for entertainment and community gatherings. This collaboration also highlights the role of local media in connecting residents and businesses with opportunities for engagement. Up & Coming Weekly is a strong advocate for this grassroots approach to successful marketing.
The Sunday Funday event and theater performance are being promoted through radio and community outreach, reinforcing the importance of coordinated local marketing efforts. The initiative reflects a unified approach among partners working to expand entertainment and business opportunities in the region.
Tickets for the Sunday Funday celebration and the performance are available as a package for $75 on Eventbrite at https://bit.ly/4rzBG8c. More information is available at 910 391 3859.
The Sunday Funday celebration will take place Sunday, Feb. 22, from noon to 2:15 p.m. at The Sand Trap Lounge, followed by the 3 p.m. performance at the Crown Theatre. The event offers residents an opportunity to enjoy an afternoon of socializing, entertainment, and community engagement—while showcasing a model for future marketing collaborations in Cumberland County.
See you there!

(Photo: Menopause The Musical 2: Cruising Through ‘The Change’® New Hope 2023 Cast from left to right: Kimberly Ann Harris, Teri Adams, LaDonna Burns, and Katie Karel. The production will be part of Sunday Funday. Photo by Mark Garvin)

The Hills (and Halls) Are Alive: FTCC brings timeless classic to Fayetteville

Details

Tuesday, 17 February 2026

Written by Staff Report

The hills are alive with the sound of music…and so are the halls of Fayetteville Technical Community College, as the Fine Arts Department prepares for its upcoming production of the beloved musical, The Sound of Music. Mark your calendars for March 5 through 14, when the performances will take place at FTCC’s Cumberland Hall Auditorium at 2125 Hall Rd.
The Play
The Sound of Music was written by famed musical theatre duo Rodgers and Hammerstein (Carousel, Oklahoma!) and premiered on Broadway in 1959. Its huge success onstage led to the making of the 1965 film starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. It would go on to become a household favorite for generations.
The play is based on real people and true events. The von Trapp family escaped the Nazi regime after Germany’s takeover of Austria before World War II, and really were a musical sensation. Although the play takes some creative liberties with the facts of life, the play is informed by Maria’s memoir, The Story of the Trapp Family Singers.
At the start of the play, Maria is a feisty but faithful young postulant at Nonnberg Abbey when the Mother Abbess decides she should go to serve as governess to a widowed Naval captain with seven children. Her arrival brings music and fun back into the normally strict, quiet house. Love and courage keep the family together as they face difficult choices in the face of political unrest and changes in Austria.
Fans of the film will hear many of their favorite songs in the play: Do Re Mi, My Favorite Things, and 16 Going on 17 all help to tell the story of the von Trapps. There are some differences between the movie and the stage show. But not to worry, The Sound of Music still has the same beloved story, characters, and music you know and love.
The Production
What makes this specific production at FTCC a "must-see" isn't just the script, but the people on stage. Directed by FTCC Theatre Instructor Katie Herring, the production represents a unique collaboration—a blend of college students, staff, and the wider Fayetteville community.
FTCC Fine Arts provides a platform where people from all backgrounds and levels of experience can come together.
For the students enrolled in the Associate of Fine Arts programs, specializing in theatre, music, art and entertainment technology, this isn't just a class project. It is a professional-grade laboratory. They aren't just learning lines; they are learning the logistics of a major production, from music and choreography to light cues and stage management.
For the community members who auditioned, it’s a chance to grace the stage of one of the city’s most accessible artistic hubs. This collaboration creates a cast that feels like a real community, creating connections that only this type of work can provide.
The two leading roles are played by current FTCC Fine Arts students. Ty’ana Wynn-Taylor plays Maria and is studying Music at FTCC. Nick Campanello plays the strict and serious Captain von Trapp. Campanello recently ended his career in the Army and is currently finishing his Theatre degree at FTCC. There are several other FTCC students in the cast, playing children, nuns, and other ensemble roles.
Another unique feature of the cast is the involvement of several families. Angela Westmoreland plays Mother Abbess and her son Renny is the younger of the two von Trapp boys, Kurt. Amanda & Elizabeth O’Quinn are another mother and child duo; Amanda plays Sister Margaretta and Elizabeth is the youngest von Trapp, Gretl. Autumn Matthews is Elsa Schraeder and her daughter Heaven portrays Liesl von Trapp, who is 16-going-on-17. Jordan (Ensemble) and Michael Deutschlander (Herr Zeller) are a husband-and-wife duo who are both part of the production, onstage and off.
The Performances
One unique aspect of the FTCC’s theatre productions is that they are all free and open to the public. With financial support from the college and FTCC’s Foundation, the Fine Arts program does not rely on ticket sales to fund its work and can therefore offer all its performances for free.
Seating is offered on a first-come, first-served basis; doors for seating will open 30 minutes prior to the start of each performance. Audience members are encouraged to arrive early.
The opening night of The Sound of Music is on Thursday, March 5, and will include a pre-show reception to celebrate the occasion. The reception will begin at 6 p.m., giving attendees an opportunity to enjoy some hors d'oeuvres and a beverage, as well as meet some of the cast before they head backstage to prepare for the show, which begins at 7 p.m.
The other performances are as follows: Friday, March 6 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 7 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Thursday, March 12 at 7 p.m.; Friday, March 13 at 7 p.m.; and Saturday, March 14 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Whether you are a lifelong fan who can sing every lyric of "Edelweiss" or someone simply looking for a powerful night of storytelling, The Sound of Music at FTCC promises to be a highlight of the spring season. It’s a story about the strength of family, the power of song, and the bravery required to climb every mountain.
For more information, visit faytechcc.edu/ftcc-fine-arts-sound-of-music.

 (Photo: The cast and crew of The Sound of Music work through stage directions at a rehearsal for the show. The Sound of Music will be performed at FTCC's Cumberland Hall Auditorium from March 5 through 14. Photo courtesy of FTCC)

CCA presents Lift Every Voice: The Music of Stevie Wonder

Details

Tuesday, 17 February 2026

Written by Amber Little

Get ready to take a journey through the soulful sounds of multi-award-winning Stevie Wonder for the 7th annual Lift Every Voice and Sing: A Musical Journey through Black History event, presented by the Cumberland Choral Arts.
A vocal experience unlike any other, Lift Every Voice takes audience members on a journey through Black history with Black musicians. Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, located at 400 Campbell Avenue, will host this year’s event on Saturday, Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 and $5 for students. They can be purchased online at https://secure.givelively.org/event/cumberland-choral-arts/lift-every-voice-and-sing-the-music-of-stevie-wonder.
While February is the designated month for Black history, the impact of Black ingenuity can be seen and felt every day. The sound of America has been heavily influenced by the groundbreaking music and lyrics of Black artists and continues to shape current trends on the airwaves. The seed for Lift Every Voice and Sing: A Musical Journey Through Black History was born in 2008, when founder Brenda Vandervort-Miller moved to the area and attended several Black History events. She realized that while there were plenty of events that focused on history and celebration, none actually approached it from a musical perspective.
In 2019, as she was watching Beyoncé’s Homecoming performance, inspiration hit.
“Hearing her sing Lift Every Voice and Sing, I had a ‘light bulb moment’.... I grabbed my iPad and created a tentative program, which eventually became the first Lift Every Voice and Sing: A Musical Journey Through Black History. Our first show was performed on February 22, 2020. We're now 6 years and 7 shows in,” she reflected.
Vandervort-Miller, a native New Yorker, found her voice early and has worked under some of the industry's most prominent teachers and mentors, such as Ms. Claudia Cummings. Her accolades are many and include her time as a principal with the Festival Theatre of New York and The Opera Company of the Highlands, the second recipient of the Cumberland Oratorio Singers Award, and the first recipient of the Methodist University Hall of Fame award for outstanding achievement in the arts.
After her graduation from Methodist University, Vandervort-Miller spent her time in New York City on the stage, taking on roles like Carmen Jones, Queenie (in Show Boat), and as part of the ensemble in The Magic Flute. She’s also had the distinction of being chosen as the Mezzo Soprano Soloist in Handel’s Messiah at West Point Military Academy.
When she returned to North Carolina, she didn’t slow down. She joined the Cumberland Choral Arts and has made it her second home. Since her return, she not only founded Lift Every Voice and Sing: A Musical Journey Through Black History, but she has also featured as the Mezzo Soprano Soloist for CCA’s productions of Handel’s Messiah, Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb, Mendelsohn’s Midsummer Night’s Dream, and the 30th anniversary production of Mozart’s Requiem.
Vandervort-Miller and Cumberland Choral Arts work tirelessly to bring this once-a-year production to life.
“I am truly thankful to my Cumberland Choral Arts family and the Board of Directors for their continued support of LEVAS. I'd also like to thank the music director for our show, Chris Colon, and the other performers: Corey Leak, Monique Butler-McLeod, Dr. Denise Payton, Jared Payton, Jamele Lrato, Deidra Baldwin, and Joy Vandervort-Cobb. They are each immensely important to the success of our show, and I couldn't do this without them,” Vandervort-Miller commented.
A family-friendly event, LEVAS is more than singing.
“Our shows are educational, approachable, and fun! We strive to create a relaxed, light-hearted show that will have our patrons leave feeling uplifted and inspired to learn more about the music or artists we honor,” she remarked.
The theme each year is the choice of Vandervort-Miller, something she doesn’t take lightly, choosing artists and themes that oftentimes go underrepresented and are lesser known. In addition to the regular program, LEVAS will be paying tribute to legendary Gospel singer Richard Smallwood.
Stevie Wonder is a household name and carries a whole generation in his heart. His songs can be heard in movies, commercials and music lovers' car radios. His lyrics are a familiar sound and can get anyone singing along.
“Stevie is a music icon and a pillar of the Black community. He's contributed so much not only to our community, but to American culture, as an activist for social justice and for the handi-capable community, in addition to his music. I feel that it is important to shine a light on his accomplishments,” Vandervort-Miller said of this year’s choice.
Cumberland Choral Arts has been a vital part of this community since its inception in 1991.
“A 1991 performance of Mozart’s Requiem, commemorating the 200th anniversary of the composer’s death, brought together a group of local singers under the baton of Mr. Alan M. Porter, the chair of the Music Department and Director of the Fine Arts Division at [what was then called] Methodist College. The ensemble enjoyed singing together so much that they became the genesis for the Fayetteville-based mixed adult community choir, the Cumberland Oratorio Singers, now known as Cumberland Choral Arts. Dedicated to bringing classical choral works to the greater Cumberland County area, the group has expanded its repertoire to include jazz, opera, spirituals, standards, and music from the stage and screen,” Vandervort-Miller said.
For more information on Cumberland Choral Arts, visit https://www.cumberlandchoralarts.org/.

(Photo: The voices of Cumberland Choral Arts will Lift Every Voice and Sing on Saturday, Feb. 28. Photo courtesy of Cumberland Choral Arts Facebook Page)